Apparatus and method for filling and sealing valved bags

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for filling and sealing of containers, such as sealable valved bags are provided. A sealable valved bag is placed in an upright, erect position, with its sealable valve structure presented to the apparatus, in a slightly open position, amenable to receipt of a filling nozzle of a filling tube. A bag sealing apparatus is placed at the same position along a processing path as a filling apparatus. The filling apparatus and the sealing apparatus are both configured for reciprocable movement into and out of engagement with successive ones of the bags, to enable filling, and subsequent sealing of each of such bags, without intermediate indexing of bags from a filling station to a sealing station.

This application claims priority of the filing date of U.S. provisionalapplication serial No. 60/249,952, filed Nov. 20, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for fillingand sealing valved bags, in which the bags are typically fabricated fromat least one layer of paper material. The bags may be further providedwith an inner liner layer of paper or plastic material. At least one endof the bag is typically formed by folded over flaps defining a valvepassage, into which a valve structure is positioned or inserted. Thevalve structure may be typically fabricated from two opposing outerlayers of paper material, and may have a valve liner structureincorporating alternatively a discrete liner structure fabricated from asealable material such as a heat or sonically sealable plastic linermaterial. Alternatively, the typical two opposing outer layers of papermaterial may be coated with a heat or sonically sealable material.

2. Prior Art

Sealable cartons, containers and bags are known. One example of a priorart apparatus and method for sealing containers via ultrasonicvibrations is disclosed in Bosche et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,159,220.Another example of an ultrasonic apparatus for sealing containers, suchas paper bags fabricated from one or more layers of paper material isfound in Wadium et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,532.

Typically, in such prior art systems, containers, such as bags, arefilled in an upright posture (to ensure complete filling), and are thentransported along a processing path in an upright, vertical orientation,until the bags reach a sealing station. Typically the bag must betransported vertically, to prevent leakage (dusting) from the bag, priorto sealing. Within the sealing station, a portion of the container to besealed is clamped within a heat sealing or ultrasonic vibration sealingapparatus. While such systems have worked more or less acceptably forrelatively small or lightweight containers, such systems can beproblematic, for use with heavier, larger or more cumbersome containers.For such containers, typically large, sophisticated, and/or expensivesupporting or holding structures must be provided to maintain thecontainers in a vertical orientation. For example, it may be moredifficult to transport them vertically, e.g., with centers of gravityelevated a significant distance above the conveyor.

Another prior art container sealing method and apparatus is disclosed inAvila et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,542. This particular method andapparatus is intended for use with containers, such as bags fabricatedfrom one or more layers of paper material, and may be provided withvalve structures incorporating an interior flap, that is intended toreduce dusting, when the bag is placed on its side. The valve structuremay also include an outwardly protruding portion that is amenable toheat or ultrasonic sealing by the clamping of a sealing apparatus to theprotruding portion.

In this system, bags are transported along a conveyor path. The bags aretypically filled while standing upright, and are then laid on theirsides, with the “tops” of the bags oriented forward or downstream, andthe bottoms of the bags oriented rearward or upstream, along theconveyor path. Each protruding valve structure extends sideways. Thebags are typically positions more or less straddling a centerline of theconveyor belt, some distance away from each edge of the conveyor belt.

As each bag arrives at the sealing station, which is to one side of theconveyor belt, each successive bag is propelled sideways, until a“front” wall of the bag is more or less aligned with, or even extendingslightly beyond one longitudinal edge of the conveyor belt, so that theprotruding valve structure extends beyond the belt, to permit clampingby the sealing apparatus. After sealing of each bag, each bag is thentransported along the path to the appropriate off-loading location.

It would be desirable to provide a method for sealing of containers,such as valved bags, which shortens the length of the processing path.

It would further be desirable to provide a method of sealing ofcontainers, such as valved bags, which would alleviate the need forlaying of bags on their sides, for purposes of facilitating sealing ofthe bags.

These and other desirable characteristics of the present invention willbecome apparent in view of the present specification, including claims,and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed, in part, to an apparatus for filling andsealing one or more containers, such as sealable valved bags, whereinthe sealable valved bags are provided with outwardly extending sealablevalve structures, the apparatus being disposed at a selected positionalong a processing path.

The apparatus comprises a support operably configured for receiving, insuccession, a plurality of sealable valved bags, the support beingoperably configured to maintain each successive sealable valved bag inan upright, substantially erect orientation, with its sealable valvestructure extending substantially horizontally toward the apparatus forfilling and sealing one or more containers.

A filling tube is preferably operably connectable at one end to a sourceof filling material, the filling tube further having at an opposite enda filling nozzle, operably configured to enable the sealable valvestructure of a sealable valved bag to fit around the filling nozzle.

The filling tube is preferably further operably configured to bereciprocably moved between a filling position to enable operableengagement with the sealable valve structure of a sealable valved bag,and a standoff position substantially removed from the sealable valvedbag.

The filling tube is preferably further operably positioned at theselected position along the processing path.

The filling and sealing apparatus preferably further includes a sealingapparatus, also operably at the selected position along the processingpath, the sealing apparatus including at least one sealing memberoperably configured to be reciprocably moved between a sealing positionin operable engagement with a sealable valve structure of a sealablevalved bag, and a standoff position substantially removed from thesealable valved bag.

In a preferred embodiment of the filling and sealing apparatus, thefilling tube is configured to reciprocably pivot and translate between ahorizontal filling position and a retracted position, in which thefilling tube is tilted, filling nozzle upward, and moved backward fromthe horizontal filling position.

In an alternative embodiment of the filling and sealing apparatus, thefilling tube is configured to reciprocably pivot and translate between ahorizontal filling position and a retracted position, in which thefilling tube is tilted, filling nozzle downward, and moved backward fromthe horizontal filling position.

In another alternative embodiment of the filling and sealing apparatus,the filling tube is configured to reciprocably move horizontally,between a filling position and a position moved backward from thefilling position.

In a preferred embodiment of the filling and sealing apparatus, thesealing member includes at least one of: an ultrasonic horn, anultrasonic anvil. Alternatively, the sealing member includes at leastone of: a heat sealing member, an anvil.

Preferably, the support further comprises at least one bag bottomsupport member, operably disposed to vertically support bags, presentedin succession, for filling and subsequent sealing. The support mayfurther comprise at least one bag side support member, operably disposedfor restricting lateral movement of bags, presented in succession, forfilling and subsequent sealing.

The support may further comprise at least one bag back support member,operably disposed for selectively restricting backward movement awayfrom the filling tube and sealing apparatus of bags, presented insuccession, for filling and subsequent sealing. The at least one bagback support member preferably is operably configured to reciprocatebetween an open position, permitting a bag to be presented to andremoved from the filling tube and sealing apparatus, and a closedposition, preventing undesired movement of a bag away from the fillingtube and sealing apparatus.

The filling and sealing apparatus may further comprise dust collectionapparatus, operably configured for collecting and transporting away fromthe filling and sealing apparatus, stray filling material. The dustcollection apparatus preferably may further comprise a flexible dustcollection shroud, operably disposed to surround at least a portion ofthe filling tube; and a dust collection tube, connected to the flexibledust collection shroud and to a source of suction. The flexible dustcollection shroud is preferably configured to accommodate reciprocablemovement of the filling tube, so that collection of stray fillingmaterial may be conducted substantially continuously during operation ofthe filling and sealing apparatus.

The invention is also directed to a method for filling and sealing oneor more containers, such as sealable valved bags, wherein the sealablevalved bags are provided with outwardly extending sealable valvestructures, the apparatus being disposed at a selected position along aprocessing path.

The method preferably comprises the steps of:

placing a sealable valved bag on a support operably configured forreceiving, in succession, a plurality of sealable valved bags, thesupport being operably configured to maintain each successive sealablevalved bag in an upright, substantially erect orientation, with itssealable valve structure extending substantially horizontally toward theapparatus for filling and sealing one or more containers;

filling the bag with a filling tube, operably connectable at one end toa source of filling material, the filling tube further having at anopposite end a filling nozzle, operably configured to enable thesealable valve structure of a sealable valved bag to fit around thefilling nozzle,

the filling tube being operably configured to be reciprocably movedbetween a filling position to enable operable engagement with thesealable valve structure of a sealable valved bag, and a standoffposition substantially removed from the sealable valved bag,

the filling tube being further operably positioned at a selectedposition along the processing path; and

sealing the bag with a sealing apparatus, also operably at said selectedposition along the processing path, the sealing apparatus including atleast one sealing member operably configured to be reciprocably movedbetween a sealing position in operable engagement with a sealable valvestructure of a sealable valved bag, and a standoff positionsubstantially removed from the sealable valved bag.

In the method, the filling tube may be configured to reciprocably pivotand translate between a horizontal filling position and a retractedposition, in which the filling tube is tilted, filling nozzle upward,and moved backward from the horizontal filling position. Alternatively,the filling tube may be configured to reciprocably pivot and translatebetween a horizontal filling position and a retracted position, in whichthe filling tube is tilted, filling nozzle downward, and moved backwardfrom the horizontal filling position. In a still further alternativeembodiment, the filling tube may be configured to reciprocably movehorizontally, between a filling position and a position moved backwardfrom the filling position.

In the method, the sealing member may include at least one of: anultrasonic horn, an ultrasonic anvil. Alternatively, the sealing membermay include at least one of: a heat sealing member, an anvil.

In the method, the support preferably further comprises at least one bagbottom support member, operably disposed to vertically support bags,presented in succession, for filling and subsequent sealing. The supportmay further comprise at least one bag side support member, operablydisposed for restricting lateral movement of bags, presented insuccession, for filling and subsequent sealing.

The support may still further comprise at least one bag back supportmember, operably disposed for selectively restricting backward movementaway from the filling tube and sealing apparatus of bags, presented insuccession, for filling and subsequent sealing. In the method, the atleast one bag back support member may be operably configured toreciprocate between an open position, permitting a bag to be presentedto and removed from the filling tube and sealing apparatus, and a closedposition, preventing undesired movement of a bag away from the fillingtube and sealing apparatus.

The method may further comprise the step of collecting stray fillingmaterial with dust collection apparatus, operably configured forcollecting and transporting away from the filling and sealing apparatus,stray filling material. The dust collection apparatus may furthercomprise a flexible dust collection shroud, operably disposed tosurround at least a portion of the filling tube; and a dust collectiontube, connected to the flexible dust collection shroud and to a sourceof suction. The flexible dust collection shroud may be configured toaccommodate reciprocable movement of the filling tube, so thatcollection of stray filling material may be conducted substantiallycontinuously during operation of the filling and sealing apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a filling and sealing apparatus accordingto a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the rear bag flapsare open.

FIG. 2 is an end elevation thereof, looking in the direction of arrows2—2 of FIG. 1, in which the rear bag flaps are open.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the filling and sealingapparatus according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, in which the rearbag flaps are shown in both open and closed positions.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the filling andsealing apparatus of FIGS. 1-3, showing the filling tube in an extendedposition, in which the rear bag flaps are open.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the filling andsealing apparatus of FIGS. 1-4, showing the filling tube in a retractedposition, in which the rear bag flaps are open.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevation of the filling and sealingapparatus of FIGS. 1-5, showing the filling tube in a retracted positionand further showing a bag being sealed, in which the rear bag flaps areclosed.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of theinvention, in which the filling nozzle is configured to tilt downwardly,when moved away from the bag valves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein indetail, a specific embodiment, with the understanding that the presentinvention is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles ofthe invention and is not intended to limit the invention to theembodiment illustrated.

Filling and sealing apparatus 10 of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 1-6. Filling and sealing apparatus 10 includes horizontally andpivotally reciprocable filling tube 12, which is connected to a sourceof filling material (not shown). Filling tube 12 ends in a nozzle 14that may be of otherwise conventional configuration, for insertion intoa sealable valve structure. The bag may be vertically supported by asupport, bag chair 16, which may be a stationary support orrepresentative of a conveyor belt, roller table, indexing conveyorstructure, or similar structure, so long as it is configured torepeatably position individual bags in alignment with filling tube 12.

Sealer 18 includes a heating element or ultrasonic horn 20, that issuitably mounted for reciprocable vertical movement into and out ofcontact with an upper surface of a protruding valve structure of asealable valve bag. Suitable controls and operating systems foractuating and generating heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations are provided.Such mechanisms, generally, are known in the prior art, and the specificdetails of which are readily understood by one of ordinary skill in theart. Therefore such details have been omitted for simplicity ofillustration.

A pivotable sealer anvil 22 is pivotably mounted for movement about anaxis X that passes more or less perpendicularly relative to alongitudinal axis of Y of filling tube 12, when tube 12 is in itsextended position.

Suitable linkage elements, such as linkage cylinder 24, front linkage 26and rear linkage 28, may be provided, for enabling selective coordinatedcombined longitudinal/pivotal reciprocation of filling tube 12.

Suitable framework 29 may be provided for supporting the variousfunctional moving components of apparatus 10, as may be required ordesired by the dictates of any particular installation. Such framework29 may be configured as needed by one of ordinary skill in the arthaving the present disclosure before them, without departing from thescope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the filling and sealingapparatus 10, in particular showing the filling tube 12 and mechanismfor moving the filling tube in and out of the valve structures of thebags. Flexible tube 30 is connected to the end of filling tube 12 distalto nozzle 14. Depending upon the material that is being put in the bags,flexible tube 30 may be fabricated from any suitable leak and sift proofflexible material, which may need to be a food-grade material, asrequirements dictate. As shown and described herein, flexible tube 30accommodates the horizontal and pivoting movement of filling tube 12.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, flexible tube 30 might bereplaced, for example, by a rigid tube, having an end architectureconfigured to permit the adjacent end of filling tube 12 to be pivotablymoved away from the rigid tube, when filling tube 12 moves to itsretracted position. Suitable gasketing could be provided to provide anadequate seal at the interface of the adjoining tube ends, when fillingtube 12 is in its extended position. Alternatively, other connectingtube constructions may be employed, so long as they permit oraccommodate the pivoting movement of filling tube 12.

Stability of the bag during filling and sealing is of considerableimportance. Accordingly, frame 29 preferably includes bag side supports31 (FIGS. 1-3). Supports 31 may be of any suitable configuration, solong as their lateral spacing is sufficiently close to the width of abag, as it is being filled and sealed, that the bag is prevented fromtoppling to either side. Tipping of the bags could lead to spillageand/or incomplete or inaccurate sealing of the bag valves.

Apparatus 10 also includes two rear bag flaps 50, which are locatedproximate the outer end of bag chair 16. Flaps 50 are mounted forreciprocating pivoting movement about vertical axes A. Each flap 50 ispreferably in the form of an elongated rectangular paddle, which issubstantially longer in the transverse direction than its verticalheight (although other sizes and shapes may be used, if desired). Rearbag flaps 50 are propelled between their closed and open positions (FIG.3) by rear bag flap actuators 52. Actuators 50 may be pneumatic orhydraulic cylinder and piston arrangements, as shown, or may be anyother suitable type of actuator that is controlled by a suitablyprogrammed control system. When flaps 50 are in their closed positions,they are either close to or in actual contact with the back (the sideopposite the valve tube) of a bag that is sitting on the bag chair. Thisprevents a bag being filled and/or sealed from being pushed away (e.g.,by the rising sealer anvil prior to sealing) or falling away from thefilling spout or sealer mechanism. This helps ensure a complete andcleaner fill of the bags, and a more positively positioned seal of thebag valves.

While the side supports 31 and the rear bag flaps 50 are shown inparticular configurations, other configurations for the side supports 31and the rear bag flaps 50 may be used, as desired or required by aparticular installation.

Apparatus 10 also includes an improved dust collecting mechanism.Surrounding the end of filling tube 12 distal to nozzle 14, a flexibleshroud 56 is position, which is connected to a dust collection tube 58,which, in turn is connected to a vacuum source (not shown). Shroud 56may be of any suitable shape and flexible material, as such dustcollection shrouds are generally known in the art of bag fillingapparatus. As is typically done, filling tube 12 actually enters intoshroud 56 through a substantially sealed aperture (not shown). Whilefilling tube 12 is movable (whether pivoting or longitudinallyreciprocating), the dust collection mechanism, comprising shroud 56 anddust collection tube 58, is substantially not movable, although thoseportions of shroud 58 that are directly connected to filling tube 12must be sufficiently flexible to accommodate the movements of fillingtube 12, and maintain a substantially sealed relationship to fillingtube 12 throughout its movements.

FIG. 4 is a further, slightly enlarged view of filling and sealingapparatus 10, showing filling tube 12 in its extended position. FIG. 5shows filling tube 12 in its retracted position. FIG. 6 is a fragmentaryside elevation of the filling and sealing apparatus of FIGS. 1-5,showing the filling tube in a retracted position and further showing abag being sealed.

In operation, sealable valved bags are placed, by any suitable mechanism(conveyor belt, powered roller table, bag holding and indexingmechanism) such as are known in the art, at support 16, in an uprightposition, with the protruding valve structure pointing toward fillingand sealing apparatus 10. Typically, in the process of raising the bags,a gripping mechanism, as a known in the art, may squeeze the top of thebag slightly, so as to pop open the end of the valve structure, forfacilitating entry of nozzle 14. A pushing device (not shown) may beemployed for slightly propelling the bag toward the nozzle, or, in analternative embodiment, for simply holding the bag in place, while thenozzle is being inserted into the valve tube of a stationary bag.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, filling tube 12 is in itsextended position and stationary, when a bag 40 is placed on support 16,and then pushed onto nozzle 14 (to assume the position shown in phantomin FIG. 4), such as by a piston actuated pusher or bag gripping device(not shown). In an alternative embodiment, nozzle 14 is inserted intothe open valve tube of a stationary bag 40.

In either embodiment, the movement of nozzle 14 is the same. To extendnozzle 14, cylinder(s) 24 is/are actuated to withdraw the pistons.Linkages 26 and 28 pivot forward and filling tube 12 moves in a complexarc, toward the right, from the position shown in FIG. 5, to theposition shown in FIG. 1, 3 or 4. Once pivoting of filling tube 12 hasbeen completed and valve 42 has been placed on nozzle 14 (or nozzle 14inserted into valve structure 42), filling of bag 40 can commence. Usinga pump or other suitable means, the material to fill bag 40 is suppliedfrom a source, such as hopper 54 and flows in the direction indicated byarrow F.

Linkage cylinder(s) 24 may be hydraulic or pneumatic piston andcylinder(s). In order to accommodate the upward pivoting of filling tube12, flexible tube 30 is collapsed and folded downward.

In either embodiment, as mentioned herein, suitable wiring, tubing andcontrol mechanisms (suitably programmed or connected to controlactuators, using known control techniques) may be provided, for theselective and/or automated actuation of cylinder(s) 24 between theretracted and extended positions.

After filling has been completed (based upon timing of flow, volumetricmeasurement upstream of filling tube 12, or measurement of weight atsupport 16, among other possible cut-off determination techniques),filling tube 12 is generally pivoted backward from, and nozzle 14 tiltedupward with respect to, bag 40, so that nozzle 14 is removed from valvestructure 42. Apparatus 10 thus returns to the orientation shown in FIG.5.

In either embodiment of the invention, whether bag 40 is pushed onto astationary nozzle 14 or whether nozzle 14 is pushed into a stationarybag 40, the relative positions of the pivot points for the linkages, andthe lengths of the linkages, are preferably selected so that during thepivoting movement of filling tube 12 away from bag 40, the initialmovement of the nozzle 14 is to actually initially dip downwardly,relative to valve structure 42, before filling tube 12, as a wholepivots backward away from and tilts upward relative to bag 40. Such apivoting movement may be readily accomplished by one of ordinary skillin the art, having the present disclosure before them.

In the embodiment(s) shown in FIGS. 1-6, the linkages connected tofilling tube 12 are connected to the lower side of filling tube 12, andare below tube 12 and configured, so that tube 12 pivots up and away, inthe retracted position, from bag 40. An alternative embodiment ofapparatus 10′ is shown in FIG. 7, wherein structures having functionsanalogous to those of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 are provided with likereference numerals, augmented by a prime (′), including tube 12′, chair16′, sealer 18′, horn 20′, anvil 22′, framework 29′ and hopper 54′,among other elements. Suitable linkage is positioned above tube 12′, andconnected to the upper side of tube 12′, so that tube 12′ pivots downand away, in its retracted position, from the bag position. Thisembodiment would provide a self-cleaning feature to the nozzle, in thatany filling material left in the tube could be tipped out. In a furtheralternative embodiment of the invention, tube 12 could be configured tosimply move in a horizontal plane, longitudinally toward and away frombag 40, as shown in FIG. 7.

Next, sealing is accomplished. The sealing apparatus comprises sealer18, and anvil 22. One possible mechanism that may be used may beidentical or similar to that employed in Wadium et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,244,532 (in which sealer 18 employs an ultrasonic vibration horn 20),except that the anvil (instead of the horn) is pivotably mounted. When abag is being filled, or moved in or out of the filling station, anvil 22is in the position shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.

Once filling has been completed, anvil 22 is rotated outwardly andupwardly, in the direction indicated by arrow P in FIG. 5, to theposition indicated in FIG. 6. Anvil 22 may be pivotably mounted andpropelled by suitable linkages and propulsion mechanisms, similar tothose employed moving filling tube 12, or by other mechanisms understoodby those of ordinary skill in the art. More or less simultaneously, horn20 is lowered, in the direction of arrow D, FIG. 5 (e.g., by a suitablycontrolled piston and cylinder system, or other mechanism), until valvestructure 42 is clamped between horn 20 and anvil 22, as shown in FIG.6. Ultrasonic vibrations (or heat or both) are then applied for asufficient period of time and to a sufficient degree to activate theadhesive or sealable liner of valve structure 42.

Upon completion of the sealing step, horn 20 is raised and anvil 22 ispivoted downwardly and away from bag 40, and the filled and sealed bag40 is moved away from support 16, and replaced by a successive empty,upright bag 40 with slightly opened valve structure 42, ready to receivenozzle 14, or to be pushed onto nozzle 14.

The present invention is believed to provide several advantages overprior art systems, including increased speed and ease of handling,reduced complexity of machinery (with inherent increased reliability andreduced cost), and substantial reduction in required floor space(“footprint”).

A further advantage of the present apparatus and method is that enhanceddust collection is provided. In prior art filling systems, in whichsealing occurs at a location remote from the filling location, there arenumerous opportunities for contamination of the surroundings by escapingfilling material (generally referred to as “dust” or “dusting”). Eventhose bags, which may be provided with internal temporary closuremechanisms, intended to reduce dusting between filling and sealing,cannot completely eradicate the escape of filling material. In addition,the filling process itself, creates a cloud of filling material aroundthe filling apparatus, and removal of the filling tube from the bag alsois an event that may result in the release of filling material or“dust”.

In such prior art filling systems, a vacuum-operated dust collectionsystem may be provided, that can collect some of the particulatematerial that escapes during the filling process. However, such a systemcannot help in collecting “dust” that escapes from a bag that has beenmoved from the filling station, when the bag is transported, raised, andpresented to a sealing mechanism (all of which steps presents anopportunity for dusting).

In the present situation, because the bag never leaves the bag chair,the dust collection system can operate continuously, collecting strayfilling material before and during filling, while the spout is withdrawnfrom the valve tubes, while the bag is being prepared for sealing, andafter sealing, when filling material that may be on the outside of thesealed bag may be disturbed as the bag is ultimately moved away from thefilling/sealing station.

The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate theinvention, and the invention is not limited except insofar as theappended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have thedisclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variationstherein without departing from the scope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for filling and sealing one or more sealablevalved bags, wherein the sealable valved bags are provided withoutwardly extending sealable valve structures, the apparatus beingdisposed at a selected position along a processing path, the apparatuscomprising: a support operably configured for receiving, in succession,a plurality of sealable valved bags, the support being operablyconfigured to maintain each successive sealable valved bag in anupright, substantially erect orientation, with its sealable valvestructure extending substantially horizontally toward the apparatus forfilling and sealing one or more containers; a filling tube, operablyconnectable at one end to a source of filling material, the filling tubefurther having at an opposite end a filling nozzle, operably configuredto enable the sealable valve structure of a sealable valved bag to fitaround the filling nozzle, the filling tube being operably configured tobe reciprocably moved between a filling position to enable operableengagement with the sealable valve structure of a sealable valved bag,and a standoff position substantially removed from the sealable valvedbag, the filling tube being further operably positioned at a selectedposition along the processing path; and a sealing apparatus, alsooperably at said selected position along the processing path, thesealing apparatus including at least one sealing member operablyconfigured to be reciprocably moved between a sealing position inoperable engagement with a sealable valve structure of a sealable valvedbag, and a standoff position substantially removed from the sealablevalved bag.
 2. The filling and sealing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the filling tube is configured to reciprocably pivot andtranslate between a horizontal filling position and a retractedposition, in which the filling tube is tilted, filling nozzle upward,and moved backward from the horizontal filling position.
 3. The fillingand sealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filling tube isconfigured to reciprocably pivot and translate between a horizontalfilling position and a retracted position, in which the filling tube istilted, filling nozzle downward, and moved backward from the horizontalfilling position.
 4. The filling and sealing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the filling tube is configured to reciprocably movehorizontally, between a filling position and a position moved backwardfrom the filling position.
 5. The filling and sealing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the sealing member includes at least oneof: an ultrasonic horn, an ultrasonic anvil.
 6. The filling and sealingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member includes atleast one of: a heat sealing member, an anvil.
 7. The filling andsealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support furthercomprises at least one bag bottom support member, operably disposed tovertically support bags, presented in succession, for filling andsubsequent sealing.
 8. The filling and sealing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the support further comprises at least one bag sidesupport member, operably disposed for restricting lateral movement ofbags, presented in succession, for filling and subsequent sealing. 9.The filling and sealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thesupport further comprises at least one bag back support member, operablydisposed for selectively restricting backward movement away from thefilling tube and sealing apparatus of bags, presented in succession, forfilling and subsequent sealing.
 10. The filling and sealing apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the at least one bag back support memberis operably configured to reciprocate between an open position,permitting a bag to be presented to and removed from the filling tubeand sealing apparatus, and a closed position, preventing undesiredmovement of a bag away from the filling tube and sealing apparatus. 11.The filling and sealing apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising dust collection apparatus, operably configured for collectingand transporting away from the filling and sealing apparatus, strayfilling material.
 12. The filling and sealing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the dust collection apparatus further comprises: aflexible dust collection shroud, operably disposed to surround at leasta portion of the filling tube; and a dust collection tube, connected tothe flexible dust collection shroud and to a source of suction, theflexible dust collection shroud being configured to accommodatereciprocable movement of the filling tube, so that collection of strayfilling material may be conducted substantially continuously duringoperation of the filling and sealing apparatus.
 13. A method for fillingand sealing one or more sealable valved bags, wherein the sealablevalved bags are provided with outwardly extending sealable valvestructures, the apparatus being disposed at a selected position along aprocessing path, the method comprising the steps of: placing a sealablevalved bag in an upright position on a support operably configured forreceiving, in succession, a plurality of sealable valved bags, thesupport being operably configured to maintain each successive sealablevalved bag in an upright, substantially erect orientation, with itssealable valve structure extending substantially horizontally toward theapparatus for filling and sealing one or more containers; filling thebag with a filling tube, operably connectable at one end to a source offilling material, the filling tube further having at an opposite end afilling nozzle, operably configured to enable the sealable valvestructure of a sealable valved bag to fit around the filling nozzle, thefilling tube being operably configured to be reciprocably moved betweena filling position to enable operable engagement with the sealable valvestructure of a sealable valved bag, and a standoff positionsubstantially removed from the sealable valved bag, the filling tubebeing further operably positioned at a selected position along theprocessing path; and sealing the bag with a sealing apparatus, whilemaintaining the bag in its upright position on the support, the sealingapparatus including at least one sealing member operably configured tobe reciprocably moved between a sealing position in operable engagementwith a sealable valve structure of a sealable valved bag, and a standoffposition substantially removed from the sealable valved bag; and furthercomprising the step of reciprocably pivoting and translating the fillingtube between a horizontal filling position and a retracted position, inwhich the filling tube is tilted, filling nozzle upward, and movedbackward from the horizontal filling position.
 14. The method accordingto claim 13, further comprising the step of providing the sealing memberin the form of at least one of: an ultrasonic horn, an ultrasonic anvil.15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step ofproviding the sealing member in the form of at least one of: a heatsealing member, an anvil.
 16. The method according to claim 13, furthercomprising the step of operably disposing at least one bag bottomsupport member, to vertically support bags, presented in succession, forfilling and subsequent sealing.
 17. The method according to claim 13,further comprising the step of operably disposing at least one bag sidesupport member, for restricting lateral movement of bags, presented insuccession, for filling and subsequent sealing.
 18. The method accordingto claim 13, further comprising the step of operably disposing at leastone bag back support member, for selectively restricting backwardmovement away from the filling tube and sealing apparatus of bags,presented in succession, for filling and subsequent sealing.
 19. Themethod according to claim 18, further comprising the step ofreciprocating the at least one bag back support member between an openposition, permitting a bag to be presented to and removed from thefilling tube and sealing apparatus, and a closed position, preventingundesired movement of a bag away from the filling tube and sealingapparatus.
 20. The method according to claim 13, further comprising thestep of collecting and transporting away from the filling and sealingapparatus, stray filling material, using dust collection apparatus. 21.The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step ofdisposing a flexible dust collection shroud to surround at least aportion of the filling tube; and connecting a dust collection tube, tothe flexible dust collection shroud and to a source of suction, theflexible dust collection shroud being configured to accommodatereciprocable movement of the filling tube, so that collection of strayfilling material may be conducted substantially continuously duringoperation of the filling and sealing apparatus.
 22. A method for fillingand sealing one or more sealable valved bags, wherein the sealablevalved bags are provided with outwardly extending sealable valvestructures, the apparatus being disposed at a selected position along aprocessing path, the method comprising the steps of: placing a sealablevalved bag in an upright position on a support operably configured forreceiving, in succession, a plurality of sealable valved bags, thesupport being operably configured to maintain each successive sealablevalved bag in an upright, substantially erect orientation, with itssealable valve structure extending substantially horizontally toward theapparatus for filling and sealing one or more containers; filling thebag with a filling tube, operably connectable at one end to a source offilling material, the filling tube further having at an opposite end afilling nozzle, operably configured to enable the sealable valvestructure of a sealable valved bag to fit around the filling nozzle, thefilling tube being operably configured to be reciprocably moved betweena filling position to enable operable engagement with the sealable valvestructure of a sealable valved bag, and a standoff positionsubstantially removed from the sealable valved bag, the filling tubebeing further operably positioned at a selected position along theprocessing path; and sealing the bag with a sealing apparatus, whilemaintaining the bag in its upright position on the support, the sealingapparatus including at least one sealing member operably configured tobe reciprocably moved between a sealing position in operable engagementwith a sealable valve structure of a sealable valved bag, and a standoffposition substantially removed from the sealable valved bag; and furthercomprising the step of reciprocably pivoting and translating the fillingtube between a horizontal filling position and a retracted position, inwhich the filling tube is tilted, filling nozzle downward, and movedbackward from the horizontal filling position.
 23. A method for fillingand sealing one or more sealable valved bags, wherein the sealablevalved bags are provided with outwardly extending sealable valvestructures, the apparatus being disposed at a selected position along aprocessing path, the method comprising the steps of: placing a sealablevalved bag in an upright position on a support operably configured forreceiving, in succession, a plurality of sealable valved bags, thesupport being operably configured to maintain each successive sealablevalved bag in an upright, substantially erect orientation, with itssealable valve structure extending substantially horizontally toward theapparatus for filling and sealing one or more containers; filling thebag with a filling tube, operably connectable at one end to a source offilling material, the filling tube further having at an opposite end afilling nozzle, operably configured to enable the sealable valvestructure of a sealable valved bag to fit around the filling nozzle, thefilling tube being operably configured to be reciprocably moved betweena filling position to enable operable engagement with the sealable valvestructure of a sealable valved bag, and a standoff positionsubstantially removed from the sealable valved bag, the filling tubebeing further operably positioned at a selected position along theprocessing path; and sealing the bag with a sealing apparatus, whilemaintaining the bag in its upright position on the support, the sealingapparatus including at least one sealing member operably configured tobe reciprocably moved between a sealing position in operable engagementwith a sealable valve structure of a sealable valved bag, and a standoffposition substantially removed from the sealable valved bag; and furthercomprising the step of reciprocably moving the filling tubehorizontally, between a filling position and a position moved backwardfrom the filling position.